[Archived] Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS Hosts Gathering for AIDS Quilt Display

The City of Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS invites you to a free community gathering on Wednesday, July 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory, 105 North Union St., held in conjunction with Northern Virginia's largest display of panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, which was once nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. It documents the lives of those who have died of AIDS and remains the largest community art project in the world.

Mayor William D. Euille will serve as the event’s Honorary Chair. In addition to viewing thirty blocks of the quilt, participants will be able to learn about the impact of HIV/AIDS in Alexandria and connect with local health care providers and support ministries. There will also be a short program to recognize local students who have helped raise awareness and honor those living with HIV/AIDS.

The AIDS Memorial Quilt is being displayed at the Torpedo Factory from July 20 – 25, at the same time that the International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) is being held from July 22 – 27 in Washington, D.C. AIDS 2012 is expected to convene more than 20,000 delegates from nearly 200 countries. As the largest gathering of professionals working in the field of HIV, the biennial International AIDS Conference plays a fundamental role in shaping the global response and keeping HIV/AIDS on the international political agenda.

The Commission hopes to leverage these events to remind Alexandria and Northern Virginia residents that HIV/AIDS is still a challenge. Alexandria has the highest rate of HIV in Northern Virginia, at almost twice the rate of Arlington County and more than seven times that of Fairfax County. Join us for this free event to remember and recommit to ending HIV/AIDS in Alexandria and our world.